Make Your First Impression Count

Your personal statement is the first things Universities see, well read, about you. This means that whatever you choose to put in there, make it count. I was told some AMAZING tips that allowed me to get offers from all the Universities that I applied for.

Tip No.1: Start with something powerful and thought-provoking. This is the FIRST thing that your admissions tutor will read, so it needs to be good. It is controversial to start with a question, but if this question is meaningful to your course then I would recommend it. Starting with something meaningful, surprising or funny is always a good basis, as this can be a talking point throughout your interview and can help your interview be a success.

Tip No.2: This is an essay about yourself, it needs to link. What does a good essay have? Links, Meaningful Points; this is exactly what your personal statement needs to have too.

Tip No.3: Don’t be disheartened if your first draft is heavily criticised by your tutor. Your personal statement is arguably the most important essay you’ll write pre-University. It needs to be good. Take all the advice you can get from as many people as you can. The more people that look at your statement the more tips and advice you’ll receive, which can only be a good thing.

Tip No. 4: Make it personal. This sounds incredibly obvious due to it being called a Personal Statement, but it is something that’s not everyone does. This is about YOU, and why YOU should be accepted into University and why YOU should be accepted onto your dream course. You’re amazing, let that shine through.

Tip No. 5: Make a draft without a character count. I understand that your characters are limited, but let yourself get all your ideas, strengths and your story down on paper, so you don’t miss anything. Then you can start to delete all the extra’s which aren’t necessary or aren’t as powerful as other components of your statement.

I hope these tips have helped you in writing your personal statement! I love the University of Leicester and it has helped me grow as a person in so many different ways and I would fully recommend Leicester to anyone and everyone. They provide you with so many tools and services which can aid you in developing your skills; something which will be talked about in another blog.

Good Luck

Brit